July 16, 2016 - Saturday

Why, LORD, do you stand afar
and pay no heed in times of trouble?
Arrogant scoundrels pursue the poor;
they trap them by their cunning schemes.
The wicked even boast of their greed;
these robbers curse and scorn the LORD.
In their insolence the wicked boast:
“God does not care; there is no God.”
Yet their affairs always succeed;
they ignore your judgment on high;
they sneer at all who oppose them. (Psalm 10:1-5 NABRE)

Psalm 10 paints a bleak picture. It's one I cannot help comparing to our many news headlines in recent days. There is such discord among us. We have set ourselves against one another at all levels, by race and gender, by religion and political view. And worse, I have noticed what seems like a rise in intolerance, anger, and bitterness among individuals with petty disagreements. It is like we are experiencing a national epidemic of discontent.

But when we read on, Psalm 10 offers us a bright ray of hope because the Lord has not left us alone!

But you do see;
you take note of misery and sorrow;
you take the matter in hand.
To you the helpless can entrust their cause;
you are the defender of orphans. (Psalm 10:14)

You listen, LORD, to the needs of the poor;
you strengthen their heart and incline your ear.
You win justice for the orphaned and oppressed;
no one on earth will cause terror again. (Psalm 10:17-18)

Let us be people of hope, encouragement, and action in the face of trouble, suffering, and indifference.


Today, I will remember that "the Lord is king forever" and he does listen and respond to "to the needs of the poor" through me.


Our Lady of Mount Carmel, who reminds us of the gospel call to prayer and penance, pray for us.